Ozark Highlands Radio

This week, hammered dulcimer prodigy, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and Ozark original Ben Haguewood recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, an interview with this upstart hammer wielding dulcimer master. Ben Haguewood is an Ozark original hailing from the tiny hamlet of Potosi, Missouri near the heart of the Mark Twain National Forest. Although a relative newcomer to the competitive world of hammered dulcimer playing, Ben has left his mark on the art form both as a player and a composer. Since becoming a regular Ozark Folk Center performer as a teen, he’s voraciously absorbed all the traditional folk music he could and collected many friends along the way. Ben has been in more than a few bands over the years but his partnership with champion old-time fiddler Kailee Spickes stands out as most enduring. The duo make up two fifths of the band “Taller Than You” and all of the band “Blackberry Summer.” Possessing a seemingly inexhaustible desire to create, both separately and together, Ben and Kailee have explored multiple instruments, musical styles, and even songwriting. From rousing traditional jigs to delicate original ballads, you’ll enjoy this journey through the music of Ben Haguewood. In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 2022 archival recording of Ozark original and dulcimer instructor to Ben Haguewood, Janice Huff, performing her original tune “Back of the Moon” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In this week’s guest host segment, renowned traditional folk musician, writer, and step dancer Aubrey Atwater examines nonsensical lyrics in traditional songs.